"I love witnessing miracles everyday of the body healing itself once the interference has been removed from the body"
-Dr. Heather L. Giesen

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

In Good HandsA Free Monthly Newsletter For The Friends and Patients of:GIESEN FAMILY CHIROPRACTICwww.giesenfamilychiropractic.blogspot.com

“The power of accurate observation is commonly called cynicism by those who have not got it.” – George Bernard ShawDo You Know These FactsAbout Drinking Coffee?. The pros and cons of drinking coffee (before you exercise). Sports Stadium Food NIGHTMARE! Many failed inspections... Salmonella... Rat feces….San Francisco Bans Soda From Vending Machines (What’s Next?).Prozac shortens lifespan of ocean shrimp. (Why are shrimp even taking Prozac?)

New Prague – Do you want to walk up to someone you’ve never met and tell them something about themselves and be right more than 50% of the time?If you do, all you have to do is tell them they drank coffee today.More than half of Americans drink coffee every single day.In fact, according to CBS news, “After oil, coffee is the second most valuable commodity in the world. More than 50 percent of Americans drink coffee every day — 3 to 4 cups each, more than 330 million cups a day and counting.” Many people use coffee as a crutch to wake up every day. I’m sure you’ve heard someone say, “I’m worthless until I have my first cup.”It’s also common to see people drink coffee before they work out. If you’ve spent any time in gym, you’ve probably seen people actually drinking coffee during their workout!But is all this coffee drinking good?The answer is yes… and no…A recent U.S. News and World Report article claims caffeine could be an asset to your workout.The article states, “Yes, a caffeine kick could be a valuable addition to your pre-exercise routine, delaying muscle fatigue and keeping you focused and energetic.”Then it goes on to warn, “You don't want to overdo it, though. Sleep problems, headaches, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, or maybe even a heart attack can result.”WOW! We’re not sure the benefits outweigh the risks.Bottom line: Caffeine is a drug and ALL drugs have side effects. Most people make the mistake and believe if something is “natural,” then it is safe (or at least safer than a drug). Snake venom is natural. So is Mercury. Some of the most toxic substances known to man are natural.So, the big question for you is: do you really think it is a good idea to use a stimulant every single day of your life? It is entirely up to you.On a similar note…Ocean Shrimp Are On Prozac!It’s true. Due to flushing medication, ocean shrimp are now taking the popular anti-depressant. Here’s the scary part: Researchers studied the effects of Prozac on shrimp and found they became easier prey.According to National Geographic: “The fluoxetine likely makes shrimp's nerves more sensitive to serotonin, a brain chemical known to alter moods and sleep patterns ... animals other than shrimp likely suffer from these high doses of fluoxetine”.Fluoxetine is a key ingredient in Prozac. Scientists exposed shrimp to the fluoxetine at levels detected in average sewage-treatment waste. Shrimp normally gravitate toward dark corners, but when exposed to fluoxetine, they became five times more likely to swim toward a bright region of water, making them more likely to be eaten by a predator.Study Reveals How Cranberry Juice HelpsUrinary Tract InfectionsIf you’ve had a urinary tract infection (UTI), you’ve probably heard all about the home remedy: cranberry juice. For years, it was nothing but an “old wive’s tale” without any scientific proof. Now, cranberry juice is widely accepted to fight the bacteria that causes UTIs… but the mechanism of exactly how it works is still not known.Now, a study from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute is finally shedding some light on the secrets of Cranberry juice’s bacteria fighting power. According to researchers, 95% of UTIs are a pathogenic strain of the same E. Coli bacteria found in the intestines. The “bad” E. Coli have little arm-like appendages that grab onto and anchor themselves to the cells of the urinary tract.These tiny anchors are important because without them, every time you went to the bathroom, the force of your urine would simply flush the bacteria out of your body. As soon as the E. Coli get a good grip on the Urinary Tract cell walls – they start multiplying.Fast Moving Little Buggers!What’s amazing is E. Coli doubles in number in one hour and it only takes a few hours to cause an infection.Cranberries have been known to help as far back as 1620. Clinical trials were conducted in 1923 and researchers believed cranberries increased the acidity of urine, killing the bacteria. Sixty years later, scientists realized cranberries did not make urine acidic enough to kill E. Coli.Now, a new study theorizes cranberries work to protect you from UTIs in a very different way. Here’s the new theory: Cranberries contain large amounts of a chemical called proanthocyanidin or PAC. PAC functions almost like a shield that blocks the arms or anchors of E. Coli from attaching to the cells in the urinary tract. These shields actually make the “anchors” crumble when they try to attach themselves to the urinary tract.An Ounce Of Prevention Is WorthA Pound Of Cranberries…Here is something very important: According to the research, Cranberries’ “shields” were only effective at preventing a UTI. In other words, cranberry “shields” only worked when E. Coli was trying to attach itself – once it was attached, cranberries did not have the same affect. According to the researchers, "Cranberry juice seems more effective at preventing future bacterial infections than treating an existing one." The study was published online on June 21 in the journal, Molecular Nutrition & Food Research.WARNING: Eat Sports Stadium FoodAt Your Own Risk!A July 25th article on ESPN.com revealed some shocking news. The website’s writers reviewed health department inspection reports at all 107 North American arenas and stadiums that are home to Major League Baseball, the National Football League, the National Hockey League and the National Basketball Association teams.At 30 of the stadiums, more than 50% of the concession stands or restaurants had been cited for at least one "critical" or "major" health violation. These violations pose a risk for food borne illnesses that can possibly prove fatal.Some of the violations included food not properly cooked, reheated or held at unsafe temperatures, because that allows the growth of dangerous bacteria such as E. Coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus Aureus.According to ESPN: “In the past few years, Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and Angel Stadium in Anaheim were cited with dozens of critical violations for rodent infestations. The violations ended up on local TV stations and in newspapers. Lucas Oil Stadium faced $3,500 in fines, and the violations in Anaheim angered officials with the city, which owns the stadium.”

And don’t forget, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your health talk to us. Contact us with your questions. We’re here to help and don’t enjoy anything more than participating in your lifelong good health.

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About Me

Dr. Heather Giesen attended North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND prior to attending Northwestern Health Sciences University, Bloomington, MN. Dr. Heather graduated in 2004 with a Bachelors in Human Biology and her Doctor of Chiropractic Degree. Dr. Heather is Board Certified by the state of Minnesota and the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Dr. Heather is certified in the Gonstead Technique and specialzes in pedatrics and family wellness care.
Prior to founding Giesen Family Chiropractic, Dr. Heather had a practice in Roseville, MN and Bloomington, MN. Dr. Heather delivered thousands of adjustments to children and adults. Dr. Heather focuses on a well-balanced approach to health.